Expectations for Teachers and their Classes
Downloadable pdf of Teacher Responsibilities in the Library
Downloadable pdf of Rules for student use of the library
The Fremont HS Library is a learning environment. This does not mean that it is a silent environment, but it does mean that those who use it must respect the needs of everyone who uses it. Teacher cooperation is crucial in the smooth operation of the library.
Teachers are encouraged to use the library as a resource for student projects and for their own enjoyment and education. Keep in mind that the library is the library media teacher's classroom. The subject which the LMT teaches is information literacy. The mission of the library program is ". . .to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information."
There are a few requirements for use of the library:
PASSES
* Please send up to five students to the library with a pass. The pass should have the student name(s) in full, the time they left your room, and your name (in readable format). The pass will be returned, signed by a library staff member with the return time noted. Students who do not have adequate passes will be sent back to the classroom. If you are sending more than five students you need to sign up for a class visit (See below)
* Please inform subs that they should not send students to the library under any circumstances without positive authorization beforehand from the library staff.
CLASS VISITS
The library is an invaluable resource for student projects. The librarian and library staff try to provide the resources necessary for student to successfully complete the projects their teachers assign.
In order to be able to provide the best service to both students and staff we ask that the following be adhered to:
* Collaborate with the librarian on developing projects.
The librarian can tell you what resources (print and online) are currently available, what might be purchased, and what can be borrowed through interlibrary loan. The librarian can also offer advice on what instruction is needed for students to best use the resources available for your project. Do not assume students know how to use library and Internet resources. 9th graders are given a basic introduction to library resources but this needs to be followed up on in subsequent assignments throughout their school career.
* Teachers need to supply the LTT with a copy of the lesson plan (if possible) so that we can better assist the students needing help. If at all possible, the lesson plan should be provided when reserving the library for your class. We’re happy to help pull or reserve books in advance, as well as build customized web pages for your class provided we have enough lead time to help you. Typically, 2 days before the class gives us enough lead time.
See the collaborative planning scenario.
* Sign up well in advance for library use.
The library is a busy place. We average a class a period throughout the school year but some classes have long-term projects which require several days at a time in the library. In order for everyone to have the best chance for use, please sign up well in advance.
There is a calendar in the library where the librarian schedules classes.
Please sign up for only 1/2 a block. Students have a tendency to waste time when there is not enough to do. If you find that you need more time for a project, and another class has not already reserved the library, your stay can be extended.
Do not bring classes unannounced to the library. Other teachers who have signed up may already be present making it unfair for their students as well as yours. If you are sending more than five students to the library you must sign up for a class visit.
If your class is split between using printed materials and the computers, the farther in advance you reserve space, the more likely it will be that we can help support student work in both areas.
* Prepare students before bringing them to the library
Students should line up at the door to the library and wait there quietly until the teacher has arrived. Classes visiting the library will not be allowed through the front doors until the teacher arrives and reminds the students of standard library practices.
Review the library rules with your students prior to visiting the library. Please remember that students need to be reminded of these rules every time they visit the library. It is best to remind the students that, much like going on a field trip, behavior expectations are even higher when they are in the library.
Make sure that you have prepped students sufficiently for them to get right to work or have the librarian give them an intro to the resources they are going to use. Don't scrimp on the time for preparation. If you have planned well with the librarian, you will have a good idea about what you can tell the students to get them ready to come to the library and the librarian will be able to most efficiently present the information needed to have students get work most productively.
* Teachers must accompany their classes and supervise student activity throughout their time in the library.
Please don’t put the responsibility of keeping your students on task upon the library staff. While in the library, you are still the teacher and should remain in control of your class.
- Teachers need to be familiar with the library and computer lab as to better assist the students needing help. We will be happy to walk you through the basics of the library and use of the computer resources.
- Please advise your students to use their network student folder to save their work, as floppy disks are now basically unusable in most of the library computers.
- Teachers should avoid sending their class to the library with a substitute when they are absent. If this is unavoidable, please have a solid lesson plan provided to use in advance.
- The comfortable chairs in the library are not recommended for use by classes trying to work on a lesson. If a teacher feels that the students should be able to use them, please know that they are in a “quiet” area.
- Any printing done by the students is only at the teacher’s discretion. The teacher will be responsible for over printing and unclaimed prints. Please inform your students of the print procedures prior to using the computer lab.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------IN ADDITION-
There is an area set aside for staff use where "professional" materials are located. In the catalog professional materials are indicated by the prefix "PRO" in the call number. There also collections of educational journals and some general reference works in the professional collection.
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